“We’re all in..but have to hold money back to sign our guys”: Cowboys VP Stephen Jones explains spending less amount in free agency

Dallas Cowboys fans eagerly anticipated a flurry of offseason acquisitions after owner Jerry Jones declared the team would be “all in” on bolstering their roster for a Super Bowl push. However, the reality diverged from expectations as the franchise made minimal moves in free agency. The team only added linebacker Eric Kendricks while seeing several starters depart.

Vice president Stephen Jones recently shed light on the discussion during an interview on 105.3 the Fan. He mentioned their consistent commitment to maximizing the salary cap annually to retain key players.

“We spend max, max money year in and year out…. When we’re all said and done, we max out our salary cap every year… What comes with having a good roster, which we do, we’re also looking towards signing our own guys. It doesn’t mean it happens overnight. But when you’re wanting to sign players like Dak (Prescott) and Micah (Parsons) and CeeDee (Lamb), then you have to hold money back if you want to have a realistic chance of signing those guys”, Jones said.

Stephen Jones also defended Jerry Jones’ “all-in” phrase.

“Everybody has their own definition of what that means, but I’ve never not known us to be all in, nor have I known anyone we compete against not to be all in,” Jones added via AOL.com.

The Cowboys’ modest spending of $12.4 million contrasts sharply with the league’s top spenders. While the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles lead the pack with a whopping $395.4 million outlay, the Dallas-based team sits at the opposite end.

What is Cowboys’ contract situation with Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb?

Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract, and negotiations for an extension have hit a roadblock. Despite recent efforts to reduce his 2024 cap hit, the quarterback’s potential free agency presents a financial dilemma for the Cowboys, with his current cap number exceeding $55 million. The terms of any potential deal could dictate his future with the team.

CeeDee Lamb is coming off a stellar season where he set franchise records. The team faces pressure to secure his long-term commitment due to the option to use the franchise tag next spring. The wide receiver’s desire for a more lucrative deal could complicate negotiations, as evidenced by his absence from OTAs and potential offseason holdout. However, he has expressed his dedication to the team, signaling a willingness to work towards a resolution.

Micah Parsons presents a unique case for the Cowboys. He is under contract for 2024, with a team option for a fifth season in 2025. His designation as a defensive end raises questions about his role within the defense. The team’s decision to redefine his position comes amid a shifting landscape for elite pass rushers, with new benchmarks set by recent offseason deals. The Cowboys must also carefully consider Parsons’ value and future contributions as they weigh their long-term plans.